Leinster's Harry Byrne moves to Bristol on short-term deal

Leinster ten inks deal with Premiership club for three months

BEAR: Harry Byrne

THE English Premiership's Bristol Bears have confirned they have agreed a deal to bring Ireland and Leinster out-half Harry Byrne to the club on a three--month deal.

The 25-year-old flew to Bristol early Tuesday and has been signed as injury cover after the west country club lost out-half AJ MacGinty to a knee injury.

Welcoming Harry Byrne to Bear Country! 👋🐻

The @IrishRugby fly-half joins on a three-month loan deal from @leinsterrugby ✍️ pic.twitter.com/dz40Q1QC4c

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) December 31, 2024

Pat Lam’s side lie second in the Premiership and are short on cover at 10 with versatile back Max Malins out until the end of the season.

Byrne, who featured in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign last season, has been out of favour at Leinster, struggling for game time behind Sam Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley and older brother Ross. The four-cap international has made just four replacement appearances for Leo Cullen’s side this season.

Bristol Bears face Saracens on Saturday and Byrne could make his debut.

Leinster, meanwhile, made light work of Munster last Friday to sit top of the URC and second in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup after winning all 11 games. Their next game is away to Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle on Sunday week, January 12.